Backpacking with the Sierra Club in Coyote Gulch, UtahDay 6, July 4, 2010

Day 6: We started out in the pre-dawn twilight and hiked out to the trailhead, hoping to beat the mid-day heat. We were somewhat successful, and drove home in time to see the 4th of July fireworks in town. Along the way, we stopped for hamburgers, pizza, and ice cream.

Early morning start

High walls and tall trees

Another big alcove; part of the crew camped here on the first night

Box Elder trees and red sandstone walls

Hiking in the early morning

Bypassing a waterfall on a high promontory

Fields of sunflowers and red sandstone hills

Near the top, the water is drying and the tadpoles are worried

Big water beetle

Getting close -- the creek is dry

Big wasp on milkweed flowers

Getting close -- shade trees are scarce

Climbing the final steep hill out of the Coyote Gulch

One last hill before the trailhead

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.; Last updated 100718